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Social Network Analysis and Public Health
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Social Network Analysis and Public Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2015) | Viewed by 29650

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jenine K. Harris

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
George Warren Brown School of Social Work Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
Interests: social network analysis, exponential random graph modeling, social media, local health departments, dissemination science
Dr. Douglas A. Luke

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Public Health Systems Science George Warren Brown School of Social Work Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis, MO, 63112, USA
Interests: systems science, dissemination and implementation research, tobacco control, social network analysis, agent-based modeling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Friends, family, co-workers, and other social connections influence our individual health behaviors and health outcomes. Relationships among public health organizations are also key to the diffusion, dissemination, and implementation of public health programs and policies. Understanding connections among people and organizations can provide new insights into the factors that influence health and the diffusion or dissemination of programs and policies that improve (or fail to improve) public health. In this Special Issue, we will highlight social network methods and approaches to understanding and improving the networks that influence health. We are interested in submissions relevant to public health policy, health behavior, and health outcomes. We also encourage submissions on the diffusion or dissemination of evidence-based public health information, programs, and policies, and on network analytic strategies that can inform the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based public health.

Dr. Jenine K. Harris
Dr. Douglas A. Luke
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.


Keywords

  • network analysis
  • public health
  • systems science
  • dissemination
  • diffusion
  • health behavior
  • health policy
  • health outcomes
  • contagion
  • implementation science

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

207 KiB  
Article
Patterns in PARTNERing across Public Health Collaboratives
by Christine A. Bevc, Jessica H. Retrum and Danielle M. Varda
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12(10), 12412-12425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph121012412 - 5 Oct 2015
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5810
Abstract
Inter-organizational networks represent one of the most promising practice-based approaches in public health as a way to attain resources, share knowledge, and, in turn, improve population health outcomes. However, the interdependencies and effectiveness related to the structure, management, and costs of these networks [...] Read more.
Inter-organizational networks represent one of the most promising practice-based approaches in public health as a way to attain resources, share knowledge, and, in turn, improve population health outcomes. However, the interdependencies and effectiveness related to the structure, management, and costs of these networks represents a critical item to be addressed. The objective of this research is to identify and determine the extent to which potential partnering patterns influence the structure of collaborative networks. This study examines data collected by PARTNER, specifically public health networks (n = 162), to better understand the structured relationships and interactions among public health organizations and their partners, in relation to collaborative activities. Combined with descriptive analysis, we focus on the composition of public health collaboratives in a series of Exponential Random Graph (ERG) models to examine the partnerships between different organization types to identify the attribute-based effects promoting the formation of network ties within and across collaboratives. We found high variation within and between these collaboratives including composition, diversity, and interactions. The findings of this research suggest common and frequent types of partnerships, as well as opportunities to develop new collaborations. The result of this analysis offer additional evidence to inform and strengthen public health practice partnerships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Network Analysis and Public Health)
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703 KiB  
Article
Childhood ADHD Symptoms: Association with Parental Social Networks and Mental Health Service Use during Adolescence
by Regina Bussing, Johanna Meyer, Bonnie T. Zima, Dana M. Mason, Faye A. Gary and Cynthia Wilson Garvan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12(9), 11893-11909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120911893 - 22 Sep 2015
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7940
Abstract
Objective: This study examines the associations of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) risk status with subsequent parental social network characteristics and caregiver strain in adolescence; and examines predictors of adolescent mental health service use. Methods: Baseline ADHD screening identified children at high [...] Read more.
Objective: This study examines the associations of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) risk status with subsequent parental social network characteristics and caregiver strain in adolescence; and examines predictors of adolescent mental health service use. Methods: Baseline ADHD screening identified children at high risk (n = 207) and low risk (n = 167) for ADHD. At eight-year follow-up, parents reported their social network characteristics, caregiver strain, adolescents’ psychopathology and mental health service utilization, whereas adolescents self-reported their emotional status and ADHD stigma perceptions. Analyses were conducted using ANOVAs and nested logistic regression modeling. Results: Parents of youth with childhood ADHD reported support networks consisting of fewer spouses but more healthcare professionals, and lower levels of support than control parents. Caregiver strain increased with adolescent age and psychopathology. Increased parental network support, youth ADHD symptoms, and caregiver strain, but lower youth stigma perceptions were independently associated with increased service use. Conclusions: Raising children with ADHD appears to significantly impact parental social network experiences. Reduced spousal support and overall lower network support levels may contribute to high caregiver strain commonly reported among parents of ADHD youth. Parental social network experiences influence adolescent ADHD service use. With advances in social networking technology, further research is needed to elucidate ways to enhance caregiver support during ADHD care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Network Analysis and Public Health)
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1156 KiB  
Article
Social Norms about a Health Issue in Work Group Networks
by Lauren B. Frank
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12(9), 11621-11639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120911621 - 16 Sep 2015
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5347
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to advance theorizing about how small groups understand health issues through the use of social network analysis. To achieve this goal, an adapted cognitive social structure examines group social norms around a specific health issue, H1N1 flu [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to advance theorizing about how small groups understand health issues through the use of social network analysis. To achieve this goal, an adapted cognitive social structure examines group social norms around a specific health issue, H1N1 flu prevention. As predicted, individual’s attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceived social norms were each positively associated with behavioral intentions for at least one of the H1N1 health behaviors studied. Moreover, collective norms of the whole group were also associated with behavioral intentions, even after controlling for how individual group members perceive those norms. For members of work groups in which pairs were perceived to agree in their support for H1N1 vaccination, the effect of individually perceived group norms on behavioral intentions was stronger than for groups with less agreement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Network Analysis and Public Health)
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7449 KiB  
Article
An Examination of Two Policy Networks Involved in Advancing Smokefree Policy Initiatives
by Sarah Moreland-Russell and Bobbi J. Carothers
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12(9), 11117-11131; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120911117 - 8 Sep 2015
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4740
Abstract
This study examines smokefree policy networks in two cities—Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri—one that was successful in achieving widespread policy success, and one that was not. Descriptive social network analyses and visual network mapping were used to compare importance and contact relationships [...] Read more.
This study examines smokefree policy networks in two cities—Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri—one that was successful in achieving widespread policy success, and one that was not. Descriptive social network analyses and visual network mapping were used to compare importance and contact relationships among actors involved in the smokefree policy initiatives. In Kansas City, where policy adoption was achieved, there was a higher level of connectivity among members, with network members being in contact with an average of more than five people, compared to just over two people for the St. Louis network. For both cities, despite being recognized as important, politicians were in contact with the fewest number of people. Results highlight the critical need to actively engage a variety of stakeholders when attempting city wide public health policy change. As evident by the success in smokefree policy adoption throughout Kansas City compared to St. Louis, closer linkages and continued communication among stakeholders including the media, coalitions, public health agencies, policymakers, and other partners are essential if we are to advance and broaden the impact of public health policy. Results indicate that the presence of champions, or those that play leadership roles in actively promoting policy by linking individuals and organizations, play an important role in advancing public health policy. Those working in public health should examine their level of engagement with the policy process and implement strategies for improving that engagement through relationship building and ongoing interactions with a variety of stakeholders, including policymakers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Network Analysis and Public Health)
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949 KiB  
Article
The Relationship of Policymaking and Networking Characteristics among Leaders of Large Urban Health Departments
by Jonathon P. Leider, Brian C. Castrucci, Jenine K. Harris and Shelley Hearne
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12(8), 9169-9180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120809169 - 6 Aug 2015
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4827
Abstract
Background: The relationship between policy networks and policy development among local health departments (LHDs) is a growing area of interest to public health practitioners and researchers alike. In this study, we examine policy activity and ties between public health leadership across large urban [...] Read more.
Background: The relationship between policy networks and policy development among local health departments (LHDs) is a growing area of interest to public health practitioners and researchers alike. In this study, we examine policy activity and ties between public health leadership across large urban health departments. Methods: This study uses data from a national profile of local health departments as well as responses from a survey sent to three staff members (local health official, chief of policy, chief science officer) in each of 16 urban health departments in the United States. Network questions related to frequency of contact with health department personnel in other cities. Using exponential random graph models, network density and centrality were examined, as were patterns of communication among those working on several policy areas using exponential random graph models. Results: All 16 LHDs were active in communicating about chronic disease as well as about use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD). Connectedness was highest among local health officials (density = .55), and slightly lower for chief science officers (d = .33) and chiefs of policy (d = .29). After accounting for organizational characteristics, policy homophily (i.e., when two network members match on a single characteristic) and tenure were the most significant predictors of formation of network ties. Conclusion: Networking across health departments has the potential for accelerating the adoption of public health policies. This study suggests similar policy interests and formation of connections among senior leadership can potentially drive greater connectedness among other staff. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Network Analysis and Public Health)
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